March 18, 2020

Dear OPCC Friends and Family:

Most of us have been paying attention to the news as information about COVID-19 changes hour-to hour. This virus is aggressive. Our government leaders’ strong encouragement to social distancing/isolation feels extreme.

As people of faith… those words also describe our hope. Our aggressive hope is that this virus will be halted. We hold onto the strong hope that our sense of community with one another will be maintained, and restored. We trust in the extreme hope that God has not left us to fend off this virus alone.

Much of humanity has become focused inward: stockpiling supplies, making lists of all of the tv shows we want to watch and books we want to read, making schedules for our kids so they don’t fall behind in their schoolwork, and focusing on how this virus is affecting us, as individuals. There is no shame in demonstrating concern for yourself and your family.

But this virus is affecting us as a global community. In the waters of baptism, we are claimed as children of God, as part of God’s whole family, which means we don’t live in this world separate from one another.

As we adjust our schedules in new ways, let’s also adjust our schedules and join together in some time of deepening our faith and listening to how God is calling us to love and serve our neighbor.

For the foreseeable future our OPCC Board and Leadership has agreed to suspend our in-person communal gatherings, following the Executive Order of the KS Governor, and recommendation of the CDC. But we shall not despair, because for these coming weeks we will remain in contact, we will connect, and we will pause in the peace of God’s presence.

The materials in this packet have been adapted for use by OPCC from a collaborative effort of pastors & leaders in the ELCA. It is intended to be shared widely.

In this packet you will find several things to guide you through these coming weeks:

• Everyone, regardless of age or family/household make-up, is encouraged to use the Faith5 model for connecting each day (instructions provided).

If you live alone, we strongly encourage you to call a friend, call another church member, call someone; journal on your own, and/or with one another.

• Follow us on our website, www.opccdoc.org and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/OPCCDOC

You DO NOT have to have a Facebook account in order to follow along, though in this time you may choose to explore this way of connecting with one another!

• Join us for two different worship experiences on Sundays!

Join us on Facebook at 10:30am. Follow the link (above) and the video will start at 10:30

Join us for a worship/meditation phone call at 2:00pm each Sunday.

▪ Call 1-888-788-0099 OR 1-877-853-5247 (both numbers work, & both are toll-free)

• When you call it will ask for the meeting ID, followed by the pound (#) sign.

• Meeting ID: 946 644 723 (The spaces in between numbers are only provided for ease of seeing, you can just type the numbers one after the other)

• If it asks you to enter a participant ID followed by the # - just press #. There is no participant ID, so just press # when listening to the prompts and it will put you into this phone worship experience.

• Join us on Wednesdays in Lent at 6:30pm on Facebook for a continuation of our Bread & Broth Series.

Start some soup and join us from your dining room to continue The Faces of Jesus.

• Join us for a weekly time of prayer on Thursdays at 2:00pm. You can join by praying at 2:00pm from your own home, and we trust that we are praying together in Spirit and truth. You may also call-in to join us by group phone call for this time of prayer.

▪ Call 1-888-788-0099 OR 1-877-853-5247 (both numbers work, & both are toll-free)

• When you call it will ask for the meeting ID, followed by the pound (#) sign.

• Meeting ID: 470 915 147 (The spaces in between numbers are only provided for ease of seeing, you can just type the numbers one after the other)

• If it asks you to enter a participant ID followed by the # - just press #. There is no participant ID, so just press # when listening to the prompts and it will put you into this phone worship experience.

Above all, let us remember that we are not a people of fear, rather a people of hope! We find hope in connecting with one another no matter how we do it. Leaders from OPCC will be in touch about Covenant Groups, the church office phone will still be answered during regular business hours, you can still email your staff, and you can always touch base on our website, www.opccdoc.org.

God’s blessings and God’s peace until we meet in-person again.

Rev. Laura Ann Phillips, and The Leadership of Overland Park Christian Church

What was the best thing that happened to you today? What was

the worst thing that happened to you today? You can share

more than one good thing or bad thing, but this is about

connecting with one another and talking about your day.

Each day, there will be a few verses or a short Bible story to read

for the day. What did you hear in the story? What was your

favorite part? How does this story show God’s love?

Listen for how God cares for those in the story and how those in

the story respond to God and even thank God! How can you

respond to God? What are some things you want to say ‘thank

you!’ to God for entrusting to you?

Pray with one another and for one another. Pray that each of

you learn to listen to God when God is guiding you.

Trace the sign of the cross on one another’s foreheads and say,

“(Name), you are known and loved by God.” Or, “(Name), you

are a child of God.” Or, you can make up something new each

night! What are different ways you can bless one another and

remind yourselves that you are protected by God?

For more information, visit http://faith5.org

WEEK 1

MONDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 46 Make Listening Jars

https://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/how-to-make-glitter-jars/

TUESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 100 Learn a new song from the Hymnal Handwashing Hits (included) to sing while you wash your hands

WEDNESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18 Tune in to the Cincinnati Zoo Facebook page for the live Safari at 3pm and pray for your favorite animals https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatizoo/

THURSDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 23 Try Praying in Color!

https://prayingincolor.com/praying-in-black-and-white

FRIDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Matthew 6:5-15 Play Prayer Bingo [An example game board is included in this booklet.]

SATURDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE John 1:1-9 Make “stained glass” and notice how different it looks when light shines through it

https://www.adventure-in-a-box.com/stained-glass-heart-suncatcher/

SUNDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE John 9:1-41 Make Play-Doh

https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/playdough-recipe

WEEK 2

MONDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 118 Play-Doh Prayers

https://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/ 2012/01/play-dough-prayers.html

TUESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 27 Learn a new song from the Hymnal Handwashing Hits (included) to sing while you wash your hands

WEDNESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Exodus 3:1-12 Make s'mores!

https://christinevhides.com/2016/04/22/smore-prayer-recipe/

THURSDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Exodus 3:13-22 Make a list of all the names for God you can think of. Which one is your favorite and why?

FRIDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Exodus 4:1-17 Make Bible Cookies! https://pumpkinseedcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/05/

scripture-cookies.html

SATURDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Exodus 4:18-31 If the weather cooperates, go for a walk together. Who can find the biggest (and still carry-able) stick?

SUNDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE John 11:1-45 Create cards to send to homebound members. Email the church at office@opccdoc.org to get addresses!

WEEK 3

MONDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 121 Pray for people who are helping our IT staff, custodians and waste disposal staff, gas station attendants. Who else?

TUESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 40 Learn a new song from the Hymnal Handwashing Hits (included) to sing while you wash your hands

WEDNESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Exodus 16:4-5, 9-18 Plan a happy surprise for a friend or family member.

THURSDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Philippians 1:1-11 Write a letter to someone you miss and tell them how much God loves them!

FRIDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 44 Pray for the countries where there are active cases of COVID-19. Look them up on a map or globe.

SATURDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE 1 Kings 17:7-16 Draw a picture of Elijah with the Widow of Zarephath and make a gratitude list on the back of the page.

SUNDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Matthew 26:14—27:66 Make palm branches!

WEEK 4

MONDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 130 Prepare a paper with the word FORGIVEN using invisible ink. Once it’s dry, take turns writing our sins in pencil on the paper. Reveal the word FORGIVEN using a candle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be-_OgewR1M

TUESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Luke 1:46-56 Learn a new song from the Hymnal Handwashing Hits (included) to sing while you wash your hands

WEDNESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Hebrews 12:1-3 Draw a cloud on a piece of paper. Write the names of people who have helped you grow in your faith. Post this some- where in your house where you will see it. Add to it when you think of someone else!

THURSDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Take turns washing each other’s feet.

FRIDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 22 Explore stations of the cross. https://prayingincolor.com/category/prayingincolor

SATURDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Mark 16:1 Smell different spices in your spice cabinet (like cinnamon) and discuss what smells make you think of God. (A warm chocolate chip cookie? Fresh baked bread?)

SUNDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Matthew 28:1-10 Make Resurrection Rolls https://coffeewithus3.com/resurrection-rolls

WEEK 5

MONDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 67 Make a list of your family and friends, neighbors and teachers, etc. and ask God to bless each one by name.

TUESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Exodus 15:1b-18 Learn a new song from the Hymnal Handwashing Hits (included) to sing while you wash your hands

WEDNESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Genesis 9:13-16 Paint a rainbow and hang it in a window to remind you of God’s promise.

THURSDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Isaiah 55:1-11 Call a homebound/assisted living member of your church and see how they’re doing. Pray for them at the end of the call.

FRIDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 16 Write out some of the good things God has given you and your family.

SATURDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Exodus 10:1-10 Name ways that God has protected you and cared for you when you needed help.

SUNDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE John 20:19-31 Line a bunch of dominos up in a long row and make predictions of what might happen if one were to fall over. Start the chain reaction and watch the dominoes topple over in a row. How is this a good example of how we share God’s love?

WEEK 6

MONDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 80 Weather permitting, go for a walk today and take note of the things that are coming back to life after winter.

TUESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 95 Learn a new song from the Hymnal Handwashing Hits (included) to sing while you wash your hands

WEDNESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Jonah 2:1-10 Make a fort in your home and together pray for those who are far away.

THURSDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 98 Make a band with your family using whatever you can find (a pot for a drum, your hands for cymbals) and make a joyful noise to God!

FRIDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 2:14a, 22-32 Write down some places you have seen God while you’ve been at home and share them with your family. Did any of these surprise you?

SATURDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Have you ever seen a baptism? That person is your sister or brother in Christ! Pray for your friends from church or your friends who go to other places of worship.

SUNDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Luke 24:13-35 Tell the story with colored paper

https://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/search/label/Emmaus

WEEK 7

MONDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 85 Go on a nature walk and hunt for signs of Spring together. Can’t go out?

Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nXmlDejoHk

TUESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 103 Learn a new song from the Hymnal Handwashing Hits (included) to sing while you wash your hands

WEDNESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Acts 16:12-15, 40 Talk about women who have taught you about Jesus’ love. Give thanks for Lydia and other women of faith!

THURSDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Acts 2:1-13 Time for a science experiment to show us how the Spirit sends us out to spread the good news of Jesus! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqQSlEViNpk

FRIDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Galatians 5:22-26 Listen to the Fruits of the Spirit Song and share how you practice the Fruits of the Spirit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rezg4jYFoj0

SATURDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Matthew 7:24-27 Use Legos, Duplos, or other blocks to illustrate the story, then say a prayer.

http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2015/03/lego-or-duplo-prayers.html

SUNDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE John 10:1-10 Make a sheep using cotton balls or pancakes and talk about Jesus, our shepherd. How does Jesus lead us? How do we hear Jesus’ voice?

WEEK 8

MONDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 126 Take turns telling your favorite joke and thank God for filling our mouths with laughter. Need some inspiration? https://parade.com/968634/parade/jokes-for-kids/

TUESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Luke 2:29-32 Learn a new song from the Hymnal Handwashing Hits (included) to sing while you wash your hands

WEDNESDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Matthew 20:24-28 Think of 1 thing you can do to serve everyone else in your household today.

THURSDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Acts 2:42-47 Plan an activity that your congregation can do together in celebration for the next time you gather for worship.

FRIDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Revelation 21:1-6 Write out the alphabet and add something to pray for that begins with every letter.

SATURDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE Psalm 136 Listen to Chris Tomlin’s song

“Forever” and be reminded of how God’s love endures forever. https://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=gUH_NzfRmbs

SUNDAY

READING FAITH PRACTICE John 14:1-14 Download a reflective coloring sheet, or try making your own.

https://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2017/05/reflective-colouring-sheet-john-146-7-i.html

Overland Park Christian Church 7600 West 75th Street Overland Park, KS 66204-2894

See inside for more information

on how you can stay in contact

with your OPCC Community!

• Sunday Worship — Join us on Facebook at 10:30am (www.facebook.com/opccdoc)

• Sunday Phone Worship — Join us for a worship/meditation phone call at 2:00pm each Sunday — see inside for phone number

• Wednesday Bread and Broth — Join us on Facebook at 6:30pm

• Thursday Community Prayer — Join us for a time of prayer on Thursdays at 2:00pm — see inside for information

You DO NOT need to have a Facebook account to visit our Facebook page —

see page 2 for all the details.

www.opccdoc.org

913-677-4646 info@opccdoc.org

Senior Pastor .................................. Laura Phillips laura@opccdoc.org ext. 222

Congregational Care ...................... Sharon McBride slmcbride19421965@gmail.com ext. 224

Interim Children's Pastor ............... Lisa Engelken lengelken@dhm.disciples.org

Interim Music Director .................. Mary Beth Boucher marybethboucher2@gmail.com ext. 229

Accompanist .................................. Julie Dean missjupes@gmail.com

Communications Coordinator/ Bookkeeper .................................... Michelle Reiter michelle@opccdoc.org ext. 223

Receptionist ................................... Eileen McIntyre office@opccdoc.org ext. 221

Building & Grounds ........................ Lee Sprinkle lee@opccdoc.org ext. 237